A Warm Welcome to Our Newest Lifetime Vickroy Honorees

Traditionally, we welcome and acknowledge the College’s newest Lifetime Vickroy Associates* each spring at a non-campus event. Since we were unable to do so in 2021, we wish to share a special thank you with this distinguished group in this report.

We express our sincere appreciation for these donors whose generosity to LVC helps us transform so many students’ lives. Your commitment to The Valley propels us forward.

*In recognition of their lasting commitment to Lebanon Valley College, we are pleased to honor new Lifetime Vickroy Associates who have a cumulated lifetime giving total of more than $100,000.

William W. Focht ’63

A 1957 graduate of Lebanon High School, William “Bill” Focht ’63 followed in the footsteps of his father, Dr. William W. Focht ’33, by attending Lebanon Valley College. Bill received a bachelor of arts degree in history at LVC and, in 1966, received his master of education degree from Shippensburg University. His love of education led him to Central Junior High School in Chambersburg, where he taught middle school history. There Bill met his wife, Ruth Ann, who was a student teacher at the time. Before Ruth Ann’s passing in 2018, the Focht’s had extensive teaching careers and enjoyed travel, genealogy research, history, and gardening. In 2020 as a tribute to his parents, William and Ethel Leedom Focht, Bill created The Dr. William ’33 and Ethel Leedom Focht Scholarship to support a junior or senior pre-medicine or biology major with demonstrated financial need. Bill has many fond memories of LVC and, in particular, Dr. Ralph Shay’s challenging History 44 course. Bill has generously supported Lebanon Valley College for several decades. He is a member of the Miles Rigor Society and the Thomas Rhys Vickroy Society, the College’s leadership annual giving society. Through his scholarship, he hopes to help LVC students fulfill their educational goals and dreams.

Judith Fonken Grem ’72

Dr. Judith “Judy” (Fonken) Grem ’72 credits Dr. Clark Carmean H’85, dean emeritus, with “discovering” her and making her Lebanon Valley education possible via a full scholarship and ongoing mentorship. Judy graduated with a bachelor’s degree in biology in 1972 and went on to earn her doctor of medicine degree from Thomas Jefferson University in 1976 before spending a career as a physician in Pennsylvania state-operated mental health hospitals. Judy left The Valley with a deep sense of gratitude and a strong desire to pay it forward in support of the next generation. Judy has been giving to the College for several decades; typically directing her gifts to The Valley Fund and general scholarship support. When Judy was notified that she was nearing the Lifetime Vickroy threshold in December 2020, she quickly made an additional gift to bridge the gap and continues to give generously.

Gary W. Sterner and Susan M. Sterner

Gary and Susan Sterner are motivated to support LVC by the College’s reputation for producing outstanding musicians. Gary grew up in Adams County, Pa., and although he attended another local college, he became well-acquainted with The Valley through his avocation as a musician. Gary joined LVC students and alumni in several local bands during the 1950s and 60s, and says he was “always impressed by their talent. I knew they had received a great education not only in their music, but overall.” Now retired and living on San Juan Island in Washington, Gary and Susan looked to expand their philanthropy and thought of LVC. They established a Charitable Gift Annuity, which supplements their retirement income, and will benefit LVC students in the long term.

Support from all donors and friends of Lebanon Valley College enhances a community that encourages interdisciplinary learning, student-faculty research across the curriculum, and high academic scholarship and achievement for faculty and staff. Please call 1-866-LVC-1866 or email development@lvc.edu to learn how you can help our students go further and achieve more.